Plum tree &#34;Golden Globe&#34;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of plum tree which has the following unique combination of desirable features: 
     1. Vigorous upright growth. 
     2. Regular and productive bearer of large size fruit. 
     3. Bearing fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     4. Fruit is nearly uniform in size throughout the tree. 
     5. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new variety of plum tree was originated by us in our experimentalorchard located at Modesto, Calif. from a cross between Laroda Plum(non-patented) and Queen Ann Plum (non-patented). A large number ofseedlings were grown under careful observation and one such seedling wasexpecially desirable with respect to its fruit characteristics and wasselected for reproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of plum tree was asexually reproduced by budding asperformed by us in our experimental orchard located at Modesto, Calif.and shows that all said characteristics run true to the original treeand are established and transmitted through succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

This new and distinct variety of plum tree is of large size, vigorousupright growth and is a regular and productive bearer of nearly uniformlarge size fruit. The fruit is further characterized by having nearlyuniform maturity, being very round in shape, having good flavor andeating quality, an attractive yellow skin color and the ability to shipto long distance markets.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the foliage andfruit of the present plum variety. The illustrations show a branch withthe upper and lower surface of the leaves and specimens of the fruitwith the exterior skin color and a sectional view of the fruit beingdivided in the suture plane showing flesh color with the stone remainingin place. The illustrations were taken shortly after the fruit waspicked at maturity (shipping ripe) and the colors are as nearly true asis reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new anddistinct plum tree, its fruit, flowers and foliage as based onobservations of specimens grown at Modesto, Calif., two colorterminology (except those in common terms) in accordance with ReinholdColor Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Growth.--Upright.

Density.--Medium dense.

Shape.--Pruned to vase form.

Production.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Large.

Texture.--Shaggy.

Color.--Brown to soot brown -- (5-F-5) to (5-F-7).

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Texture.--Rough to medium rough.

Lenticels.--Large size. Numerous.

Color.--New growth -- brown to leather brown -- (6-E-4) to (6-E-6). Oldgrowth -- brown to grayish brown -- (6-F-4) to (6-F-6).

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 31/2" to 41/2". Average width -- 11/2"to 2".

Texture.--Smooth.

Petiole.--Average length -- 3/4". Average width -- 1/16".

Glands.--Number varies from 1 to 4. Average number 2. Globose. Usuallylocated on base of leaf blade.

Margin.--Serrate.

Shape.--Oblanceolate. Tip -- acuminate.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (28-F-6) to (28-F-8). Lowersurface -- green to grayish green (28-E-5) to (28-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Small to medium.

Length.--Medium.

Shape.--Medium to short. Plump.

Flowers:

Blooming period.--Date of first bloom: Feb. 27, 1987. Date of fullbloom: Mar. 3, 1987.

Color.--White.

Size.--Medium.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--July 31, 1987.

Date of last picking.--Aug. 6, 1987.

Size.--Large. Average diameter axially -- 21/2". Average transversely insuture plane -- 21/2".

Form.--Globose. Nearly symmetrical.

Suture.--Very shallow -- nearly smooth, extends from base to apex.

Cavity.--Rounded to very slightly elongated in suture plane. Averagedepth -- 1/2". Average breadth -- 1/2".

Base.--Nearly rounded to slightly retuse.

Apex.--Nearly rounded.

Stem.--Average length -- 1/2". Average width -- 3/32".

Flesh:

Ripens.--Evenly.

Texture.--Firm.

Eating quality.--Good.

Flavor.--Mild -- sub-acid.

Juice.--Moderate.

Color.--Light yellow to yellow (3-A-7) to (4-A-6).

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium -- tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Color.--Yellow to oliver yellow -- (2-A-8) to (2-C-8).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Small. Average length -- 3/4". Average width -- 5/8". Averagethickness -- 3/8".

Apex.--Usually rounded. Varies from rounded to slight point.

Base.--Usually straight. Varies from straight to slightly rounded.

Surface.--Irregularly pitted throughout.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Light brown to brownish orange (6-C-5) to (6-C-6).

Use: Dessert. Local and long distance market.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The present variety of plum tree, its foliage and fruit hereindescribed, as grown under the ecological conditions prevailing atModesto, Calif., may vary in slight detail due to climatic conditions,soil type and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of plum tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorousupright growth and being a regular and productive bearer of large, firm,yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eating quality; thefruit of which is further characterized by being nearly uniform in sizethroughout the tree and having good shipping and storage quality.